26/05/2026
Restoring Dignity, Renewing Hope: The Impact of Volunteering with Help Minimize Epilepsy in Liberia-HMEL
Zekepa, Nimba County Liberia:- "Volunteering with Help Minimize Epilepsy in Liberia-HMEL has been one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences of my life. It gives me joy and a deep sense of purpose because it has connected me directly with people living with epilepsy and allowed me to have first-hand interactions with those whose daily struggles are often misunderstood by society.
Through this work, I have learned to see myself in the conditions of those who are challenged. Their pain, rejection, and silent suffering have become real to me. More importantly, being able to stand beside them, advocate for them, and help reconnect them with families and communities that once neglected them fills my heart with happiness.
On many occasions, people living with epilepsy from B**g County, especially those seeking treatment at Zekepa Health Center and Maternal Waiting Home, call me to express appreciation for the work HMEL is doing. Their gratitude reminds me that even the smallest act of service can restore hope.
Sometimes, they call when they run out of medication. Other times, they call when they are offended, rejected, or mistreated by members of their communities. Whenever possible, we intervene to help resolve these issues and ensure their dignity is protected.
One of the most encouraging changes I have witnessed is the reunion of families. Some husbands and wives who were once separated because of epilepsy-related stigma are now coming back together. Husbands who once abandoned their wives are now accompanying them to health facilities for treatment and care. These moments are powerful reminders that awareness and compassion can break barriers of fear and ignorance.
However, one major challenge remains—the lack of consistent medication for people living with epilepsy at health facilities. This shortage threatens the progress we are making and leaves many vulnerable to unnecessary suffering and repeated seizures. Access to medication is not a luxury; it is a necessity for survival, stability, and dignity" Betsy Yei Fendor , Volunteer, Yarwin Mehnsonnoh Health District
Similarly, fellow volunteer Emmanuel Horace shared his heartfelt experience, saying:
“I feel happy being a volunteer because our lived experiences recognize me as one of those helping to restore their dignity in their communities. Those once rejected are now being accepted. Many who were stopped from fetching water, joining farming groups, and denied access to public spaces are now welcomed and included.”
This testimony reflects the true impact of HMEL’s work across Liberia. Communities are slowly changing. Acceptance is replacing rejection. Understanding is overcoming fear.
The journey is not yet over, but every life touched, every family reunited, and every person restored to dignity is proof that change is possible.
Together, through awareness, advocacy, and access to treatment, we can continue to minimize epilepsy stigma in Liberia and build communities where every person is valued, respected, and included.
Let's Zero the Stigma associated with epilepsy because THERE IS STILL HOPE
